Grandparent column: Pumpkin carving can be a learning opportunity

Lauren Gee (left) and Olivia Williquette, both of Sobieski, react to the mushy pumpkin mess as they clean out their pumpkins for carving during the Pumpkin Carving and Pizza event at the NEW Zoo in Suamico, Wis., on Oct. 9, 2013.

Since family time is often short, how do we make this precious time effective, efficient, fun, and relaxing for all? Any activity like playing with pumpkins can be spiced up with a little learning. Activities can be enhanced by a little science, math and reading. Talking together increases vocabulary needed to learn reading.

Be mindful of young children's characteristics like short attention spans and easy frustration. When they are finished with an activity in their minds, they are ready to move on even if adults are not. They function better if there is a variety of a quiet activity followed by an active time followed by another quiet time with a snack.

For more family leaning activities to take the pressure off raising children and tips, see grandparentsteachtoo.org, "Learning Through the Seasons" podcasts on wnmufm.com and live on WNMU-FM at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 8:35 a.m. Saturdays.

Jack-o-lantern learning

Measure the circumferences and weigh your pumpkins. Place them in order from smallest to largest. Plan together on paper first before carving your pumpkins. Decide what kind of face your pumpkin should show. For weeks children can draw practice pumpkin faces with markers and wash them off. Help little ones with eyes, nose, mouth, and ear placement on the pumpkin. Talk about the shapes you will use. Usually, adults cut off the top and carve the features with a sharp knife, but everyone can reach inside and pull out the slimy strings and seeds. Do children know some other fruits that have seeds inside? Save some seeds for planting later.

Using the cleaned and dry pumpkin seeds from the carved pumpkin, predict of how many seeds are inside. Then for preschoolers, count out the seeds, making piles of 10 seeds each. Older children can count the piles by 10s or rearrange the piles and count by 5s. Some children will be ready to count every seed up to 100 or more. Was the guess correct? Were there more or less than what you guessed? Were all your pumpkins the same?

Pumpkin seed snack recipes

Rinse seeds under water and pull off clumps of pulp. Dry, then toss in a bowl with oil or butter and seasoning of your choice, such as salt, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, curry powder or cinnamon. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 300 for about 45 minutes or less. Check them often.

Seeds can also be cooked in a microwave oven. Prepare as above and cook in a microwave-safe dish at high heat for 2 minutes. Stir seeds and continue cooking in one-minute increments until seeds are crisp and golden. Sprinkle toasted seeds with seasonings. Always cool before serving.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Grandparent column: Pumpkin carving can be a learning opportunity

Since family time is often short, how do we make this precious time effective, efficient, fun, and relaxing for all? Any activity like playing with pumpkins can be spiced up with a little learning.

A link to this page will be included in your message.

Join Our Team!

If you are interested in working for an innovative media company, you can learn more by visiting: